FlySafair Unveils Fan-Designed Protea Livery

Photos Trevor Cohen

FlySafair has elevated fan engagement to unprecedented levels with the introduction of a vibrant Protea-themed aircraft livery, crafted by 22-year-old self-taught graphic artist and student Dinika Naidu from Gqeberha. This special edition aircraft, unveiled at FlySafair’s Johannesburg hangar on 4 November 2025, marks the first anniversary of the partnership between the airline and Cricket South Africa (CSA).

The design was selected from numerous submissions in a national competition initiated when FlySafair revealed its three-year sponsorship of the Proteas in October 2024. This competition encouraged South Africans to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm for the national cricket teams through aircraft art. Naidu’s sleek, contemporary design was distinctive, merging the elegance of the protea flower, South Africa’s national symbol, with FlySafair’s lively magenta-and-blue branding. The outcome is a livery that perfectly represents unity, national pride, and the collective spirit of aviation and sports.

“This past year has been absolutely incredible,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “When we partnered with Cricket South Africa, we wanted to do something uniquely South African, something that gave fans a real stake in the journey. Dinika’s design captures that spirit beautifully, and we’re proud to have it flying across the country.”

The young designer’s work features flowing, calligraphic lines that form both the outline of a cricket player and the petals of a protea. The movement of the design mirrors the dynamism of both flight and sport, while the colour palette seamlessly merges FlySafair’s corporate identity with the green and gold associated with the Proteas. Naidu described her concept as “simple but impactful,” ensuring it remains instantly recognisable on the ramp.

The new livery celebrates the first anniversary of FlySafair as the Official Domestic Airline Partner of the Proteas, a partnership that has aligned with significant achievements in South African cricket. Earlier this year, the Proteas men's team secured the ICC Test World Cup title, a historic win that FlySafair supported by facilitating the nationwide trophy tour. The Proteas women's team has also showcased outstanding performances, solidifying its position among the world's best.

“This partnership is about more than logistics; it’s about unity, excellence, and connecting cricket fans across the country,” said Mtunzi Jonas, CSA’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Having a young South African designer like Dinika play such a central role makes this milestone even more meaningful.”

For Naidu, who studies graphic design at Nelson Mandela University and funds her education through freelance work, seeing her artwork emblazoned on a real aircraft has been nothing short of surreal. “I don’t think there are words to describe how excited I am,” she said at the unveiling. “As a young designer, you dream about moments like this, but you never really expect them to happen. I’m so grateful to FlySafair and Cricket South Africa for this opportunity; it really feels like I’ve made it.”

The Protea-liveried Boeing 737 will soon be a common sight throughout South Africa, flying on FlySafair’s domestic routes and catching attention at airports from Cape Town to Durban and all locations in between.

Looking forward, FlySafair and CSA intend to broaden their collaboration with a range of fan activations and community events during the upcoming summer season, leading up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

“This partnership is about celebrating South African cricket and creating extraordinary moments along the way,” added Gordon. “From flying the Test World Cup trophy to supporting the women’s team’s success, it’s been a privilege to be part of the journey. And now, with Dinika’s design taking to the skies, we’re lifting that celebration to new heights, literally.”

As the aircraft with its new livery starts its journeys, it carries not just passengers and cargo, but also a message of national pride, youthful talent, and the lasting strength of South African creativity.